Relating to certain information available to the public on a central database containing information about sex offenders.
Impact
By making this information publicly available, SB 369 seeks to empower communities and individuals to make informed decisions regarding safety and awareness of individuals who have committed sexual offenses. It is intended to strengthen community safety measures by fostering an informed public, which can be critical in preventing further offenses. Furthermore, the bill ensures the availability of risk assessment data, contributing to a more informed discussion about sex offender management within Texas.
Summary
Senate Bill 369 is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accessibility of information regarding sex offenders by amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill modifies existing provisions under Article 62.005 to stipulate that the information contained in a central database, including the numeric risk levels assigned to registered sex offenders, is public information. The modifications facilitate the public's access to crucial data pertaining to sex offenders while balancing privacy by excluding sensitive personal information such as social security numbers and contact information.
Contention
While SB 369 has strong support due to its aim at increasing public safety, there are notable points of contention regarding the implications for privacy. Critics argue that while providing the public with access to risk levels is vital, there is a risk of stigmatization and undue harassment of individuals who have served their sentences. The safeguarding of victim identities is upheld, but the trade-off between community safety and personal privacy remains a debated issue among legislators and advocacy groups.
Voting_history
The bill received significant legislative support, passing with 130 votes in favor and only 11 against during the third reading in the House on May 21, 2013. This level of bipartisan agreement highlights a recognized need for better information regarding sex offender registration, even amidst the concerns regarding privacy and the potential for societal backlash against offenders.
Relating to the creation and maintenance by an appraisal district of a publicly available Internet database of information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review board established for the district.